Philosophy

Hagalaz : ᚺ

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The second group of 8 runes, falling under the domain of Hagal, begins with the rune Hagalaz. This rune, on its outer surface, means “hail” and represents the violent, intense transition of forms from liquid to solid. This, of course, has entirely metaphysical applications as well, representing changes in our lives that are brought upon us suddenly and ferociously. Hagalaz, in this way, is mostly associated with harsh or cruel magic, curses, and bad luck. The “Early Modern Swedish Rune Poem” perhaps gives us the best look at this rune through the eyes of the common folk, as it simply says:

“Hail is best from in the house.”

From the viewpoint and practice of the skilled rune sorcerer, however, Hagalaz embodies a much “brighter” and more crystalline element of the Futhark, where the harshness of change can be focused, utilized, and directed where we wish to develop further. Through the hailstone, we can (with haste) change the parts of ourselves that we must in order to gain a new form. One that strikes with more potency than before. This destruction, like that which is brought about by hail, also brings forth new life, watering the earth under the bent and broken stalks it leaves behind. Hail is still water and will nourish, but not before it destroys that which lies in its path.

Something else that must be noted is the relationship or shared energy between Hagalaz and the next rune in the Futhark, Nauthiz, which represents need. Hagalaz, as experienced by those who have dealt with it firsthand internally, also carries within it a certain “needed” shift, representing a catalyst for significant change to occur. This is something that separates the developing rune sorcerer from the average rune worker. The developed runic initiate can use Hagalaz directly, transforming it into a positive practice while remaining aware of its seemingly destructive presence and power. Subconsciously, the sorcerer searches and strives for encounters with Hagalaz, as each one gives another glimpse into what changes must be made immediately to achieve a more refined version of Self.

The “Old Icelandic Rune Poem” says:

“Hail is cold grain,

And shower of sleet,

And sickness of serpents.”

Here we see just how much of an ominous, cold “darkness” this rune carried in the minds of our Icelandic ancestors. We can see the 3 main outer concepts in full light here, as the “cold grain” (hail), “shower of sleet” (ice), and the “sickness of serpents” (destroys crops). Among most Indo-European cultures, serpents were traditionally associated with earthly and chthonic powers opposite to that of the celestial powers of the sky, usually represented by the eagle. Many occult orders aim to yoke these together, as we see in the ancient symbol of the dragon or “Winged Serpent.”

In the “Old English Rune Poem” we read:

“Hail is the whitest of grain,

It is whirled from the vault of heaven,

And is tossed about in gusts of wind;

And then it melts into water.”

Again, we have the outer concepts coming to light in the first line, alluding to the “grain” of ice. The next line introduces the celestial or “heavenly” aspect we approached in the eagle/serpent motif, although, this line is referring to the sky itself as Heaven. There is much evidence that the Anglo-Saxon (and greater Indo-European) conception of Heaven was linked with the sky, referring to “meadows” and “fields” in the sky. The Old English word heofon, from which our modern English heaven derives, has a dual meaning of “Heaven” and “sky.”

Another piece of evidence can be found in the Proto-Germanic hagô which refers to “yards, enclosures, and pastures.” Strangely enough, although contested, Heaven and Hagalaz have a similar origin in the Proto-Indo-European word h₂éḱmō, which means “stone.” This is where the modern English word hammer also stems from. This could imply the concept of the “hail-stone/crystal from Heaven” that has recurred throughout the work of many prominent runologists of the past, most notably in the “Uthark” system of Sigurd Agrell. We see the addition of the “fertility” element within the last line of the poem, as although the hail destroys, it turns to water and makes the ground fertile. Hagalaz, in many ways reflected here, is a rune of very tough love and nourishment.

One more possible origin for Hagalaz lies in the Proto-Indo-European word kagʰlos, meaning “pebble.” It seems the Dutch (and some other Germanic languages) took this word and applied it further into modern times, as the Dutch hagel also represents small balls of metal ammunition. I also find it amusing to see this connect to the modern Icelandic haglabyssa, meaning “shotgun.”

Even after Christianity had taken hold in the north and the old gods were largely demoted, we see much emphasis in esoteric circles to associate the Hagal rune with Christ and Heaven, something we’ve explored in the prior paragraph. The Swedish Christian-occultist and Gothic revivalist Johannes Bureus claimed that the Hagal rune is “that which encloses everything,” something we remember from ancient conceptions of Heaven being an enclosure in the sky. In the rune poems, this association with Christ in particular is found in the “Old Norwegian Rune Rhyme” where it says:

“Hail is the coldest of kernels;

Christ created the old world.”

I believe the converted Pagans still retained the esoteric function of this rune through the metaphor of Christ, still carrying with it celestial importance. The Hagal-stone personifies crystal memories and thoughts from Heaven itself; gifts to man from God. In Heathen thought, this can be attributed to the head of Mimir, whom Odin addresses for advice and counsel; as Mimir (memory) holds knowledge of all things. There’s further connection here in the Old Norse heill, Proto-Germanic hailaz, and Gothic hails, all meaning “whole, unbroken, pure, healthy, well, entire, complete” etc. This reinforces the crystalline “completeness” of Hagalaz. Another word showing connection between Hagalaz and Heaven is the Proto-Germanic hailagaz meaning “holy, sacred.” This is further developed in hailagōną meaning “to sanctify, make holy, hallow.”

Now that we’ve peeled away some layers of Hagalaz, we must look at this rune in its darker and more “sinister” aspects. As stated earlier, this rune has long been used in curses and black magic by some practitioners. We have the Proto-Germanic word hagaz meaning “skilled, crafty, able” and hagatusjō meaning “witch.” Of course, this later forms our English word hag, generally meaning “ugly old woman” or “witch.” The ancient “witches” of the Pagan north were associated with a practice called seiðr, which is a widely discussed and extremely broad spectrum of practices related to prophecy, divination, spirit walking, and weather manipulation. In the context of Hagalaz, seiðr can be connected in the fact that these witches were able to manipulate the weather if necessary; having the ability to send storms if they so desired.

As with the Gebo rune, Hagalaz falls into the group of runes known as “Odin’s 9.” This is because Hagalaz, whether upside down or right-side up, retains its shape and form, meaning its’ implication is concrete, single focused, and based on the ironic phenomenon of the “permanence of impermanence,” or rather, the ever-present force of change. When looking for a “Hagal” in the myths, we are left with just one vague reference to a foster father of the legendary Helgi in the “Lay of Helgi Hundingsbane II.” Perhaps the significance of this character has been lost, leaving us to only theorize why the second row is named after this rune, aside from the obvious observation of it being at the beginning.

To conclude, Hagalaz is a rune of unique beauty; one that destroys but also mirrors the glory of Heaven. We see this rune associated with celestial enclosures and paradise within the sky. Whether interpreted through the eyes of the Heathen or the Christian, this rune applies to a holiness present in the crystal, a certain wholeness represented by the “whitest grain.” Although hail is a destructive force, our ancestors viewed this in a sacred light; a fitting start to the second 8 runes of the Futhark, bringing “ice” to the fertile, earthly runes of Freyr; radically shifting perspective but concealing new life under its sudden ambush upon the Earth. Hagalaz is the wrath of the heavens, holding enormous power to transform and also to destroy.

Chaturbhuja (Four-Armed) Mahakala

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Samhain/Álfablót

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Samhain is a time when the spirits of nature, the dead, and the gods are most likely to emerge to walk amongst the living. During these days, when daylight becomes shorter and shorter, nature around us seems to die and shed its vitality, leaving trunks and branches barren, resembling bones protruding from the forest soil. This is a time when we are meant to shift our focus from outdoors to indoors and shed our dead weight from the previous year. By doing this, we are mirroring the process of nature and turning our energy inward. During this time of year come the final harvests, meaning that the workload is drastically cut down and many daily activities change. These hours were to now be replaced with indoor tasks such as tending to animals, repairing tools, spiritual practice, and performing various crafts such as woodworking, writing, or blacksmithing.

It is customary to make offerings to the deities, ancestors, and wandering spirits during this time in order to receive their favors, blessings, and good luck. We please the spirits to avoid their wrath. We offer to the ancestors to uphold family honor. We give our veneration to the gods to gain their power and visage. By performing rituals during this particular time of year, one enables themselves to access various forces and gain insight into the past, future, and matters regarding cause and effect within the present which will aid one’s progress moving forward.

In “A History of Pagan Europe” by Jones & Pennick, they write:

“Samhain (1 November). This was the most important festival of the year, showing the pastoralist, rather than agricultural, origin of the calendar. Samhain was the end of the grazing season, when flocks and herds were collected together, and only the breeding stock set aside from slaughter. It was a time of gathering-together of the tribe at their ritual centre for rituals of death and renewal, dedicated to the union of the tribal god (in Ireland, the Daghda) with a goddess of sovereignty, the Morrigan, or, more localised, Boann, deity of the River Boyne.”

As the last of the great harvests, Samhain brings reward and celebration, the end of one year and the transition into the next. According to many European tribes, Samhain marked the turning point between the years and represented the New Year celebration of their cultures. With Samhain we descend into “night,” resembling the womb of the goddess or the abode in which she resides. The goddess reigning over this time of year was almost always in the form of a grim, fate-controlling hag or crone, such as Hel or the Morrigan.

In “Celtic Mythology and Religion,” Macbain writes:

“Equal to Beltane in importance was the solemnity of Hallowe’en, known in Gaelic as Samhuinn or ‘summerend.’ Like Beltan it was sacred to the gods of light and of earth; Ceres, Apollo, and Dis also, must have been the deities whose worship was honoured. The earth goddess was celebrated for the ingathering of the fruits; Apollo or Belinus and Proserpine were bewailed for their disappearing from earth, and Dis, who was god of death and winter’s cold, and who was especially worshipped by the Celts, as Caesar says, was implored for mercy, and his subjects, the manes of the dead, had special worship directed to them. It was, indeed, a great festival—the festival of fire, fruits, and death.”

In reference to Norse and Germanic paganism, we see the worship of elves and land spirits was also common during this time. In modern Germanic paganism, many people celebrate Samhain under the name Álfablót (Elf Sacrifice), which is a time when harvests are reaped and sacrifices are made to the elves and gods. Elves and the dead are strongly connected to the ancient mounds of the Pagans, therefore, much of the activity surrounding this festival would have likely involved distributing offerings to the gods and conducting sacrifices directly upon the mound (or grave) of the dead. This is where the elves were thought to reside.

In “Sorcery and Religion in Ancient Scandinavia,” Vikernes gives us further examples pertaining to the Nordic new year and pre-Christian Halloween customs. He writes:

“The first holiday of the year was New Year’s Day, better known in English as Halloween (“initiation evening”), and in Gaelic as Samhain (“summer’s end”). The sorcerers and later the gods (i, e. religious kings) and their challengers dressed up as different creatures with access to the realm of the dead. They fasted and hung their clothes in a tree or the gallows, to make it look as if they had hanged themselves. They wounded themselves with a spear, to bleed, smeared ash or white mud all over their bodies to look like the dead, they put on masks and sacrificed a cow or an ox on the grave mound, so that the blood poured down and into the grave underneath; into the realm of the dead. They then blew a horn, in the Bronze Age a lure, to open up the entrance to the realm of the dead. They then traveled into hollow trees, caves in the mountain, holes in the ground, or more commonly into the burial mounds. These were all seen as entrances to the realm of the dead. Inside, in the darkness of the grave, a woman was waiting for them, sprinkled in the sacrificed animal’s blood and dressed like the queen of death. They then took at least some of the objects their dead forebears had been buried with and brought them back out.”

As we can see, Samhain (or Álfablót) type celebrations were not only distinct to Celtic and Germanic culture, but rather appear as a pan-European tradition representing a celebration of the dead, the ancestors, and the final harvests of the year. It is clear that no matter which form of paganism(s) one practices, the celebration and event known to us now as Halloween is of very ancient and sacred importance. Not only as a transitional period between the seasons, but as a time when it was believed to be easiest to pierce the veil between states and interact with beings outside of our normal cognition. It is because of the superstitions and pagan worldviews of the past that we have many (if not all) of our current yearly celebrations.

Autumn Equinox

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The Autumn Equinox is the turning point in the year when daylight and darkness are equal once again, tipping the scales towards the darkest period of the year when the nights grow longer and the weather gets colder. Traditionally, harvests would be reaped during this time and various rituals were conducted for the gods and spirits residing over abundance. Attention was given to the wights and ancestors, as it was believed that this time was liminal and that other realms were accessible. At the cusp of Equinox, the dark half of the year begins to slowly gain dominance.

Bonfires are especially common as well as sacrifices, whether physical or symbolic. People give thanks and ask for future harvests, ensuring a healthy stock of goods for the upcoming Winter months. Much depended on this pivotal time of year and many rites were undertaken to guarantee success. Feasts would be widespread as well as games, echoing other Summer and Fall festivals in atmosphere. For us here in the Northeastern United States, many crops are ripening during this time such as squash, corn, and apples. With this comes canning and drying goods to stock pantries for the Winter.

In “Teutonic Mythology” by Grimm, it says:

“In some parts of northern England, in Yorkshire, especially Hallamshire, popular customs show remnants of the worship of Frieg. In the neighborhood of Dent, at certain seasons of the year, especially autumn, the country folk hold a procession and perform old dances, one called the giant’s dance: the leading giant they name Woden, and his wife Frigga, the principal action of the play consisting in two swords being swung and clashed together about the neck of a boy without hurting him.”

As seen above, many early English (and Germanic) peoples would honor the god/goddess Frieg (Frigga) and Woden (Odin) during this time. Woden/Wotan in early Germanic belief was sometimes associated with wheat fields, where offerings were left for his horse Sleipnir during pivotal moments of the year. Certain epithets of Odin give reason to believe that he has been worshipped as a benevolent god to some extent, reigning over wealth, fate, and general prosperity. Names like this include Farmatýr (Lord of Cargoes) and Óski (God of Wishes).

Regarding Odin and continental Pagan belief, Grimm also states:

“As these names [Woden/Mercury/Hermes], denoting the wagon and the mountain of the old god, have survived chiefly in Lower Germany, where heathenism maintained itself longest; a remarkable custom of the people in Lower Saxony at harvest-time points the same way. It is usual to leave a clump of standing corn in afield to Woden for his horse.”

Of all the ancient celebrations, the Autumn Equinox was the most difficult one to find any references for. My belief is that it was a lesser celebratory event and more centralized in each community, where the harvest would be brought in and the local spirits offered to. People were likely working hard and didn’t have time to prepare for anything extravagant like they would during the last harvest of the year (Samhain), which certainly would have taken the forefront in terms of importance, at least to the Pagan Celts.

In “The One-Eyed God” by Kershaw, it says:

“These times of transition are strange times, whether the transition is from month to month, or season to season, or year to year; they are times which are not quite one thing or the other. They are like boundary lines, which are not quite my property or yours, or doorways, which are not quite inside or outside. As Eitrem said, it is at these dividing lines of time and space that the dead and Hermes are particularly active.”

It was common to not only focus on the harvest at this time, but to also give special attention to the dead and gods (or spirits) associated with death. The year was about to start its descent into darkness and the deified Sun/Light was to begin the darkest part of its journey through the underworld. Because of this, symbolic bonfires are lit to emulate the Sun and prolong the light.

In “Sorcery and Religion in Ancient Scandinavia” by Vikernes, it says:

“Odinn placed his eye in the grave, in the well of the past, every year, in order to learn from the past. This might sound strange, but his eye was the Sun, Baldr, that lost its power every autumn and therefore had to spend the winter in the world of the dead. In other words, Odinn had one eye in the world of the living and one eye in the world of the dead.”

Aside from the various gods, goddesses, and spirits of prosperity, it is clear that Odin and Frigga took a central role in (Germanic) Equinox observances in some areas of Pagan Europe. Odin (Woden) was recognized as a god of wishes, death, darkness, gifts, and clairvoyance, mirroring the exoteric liminality of the period between light and dark invoked by the Equinox. This external event is to also be reflected internally, as darkness begins to gain supremacy after this transition. We begin to look inward and conduct deeper spiritual work, creating light within to combat the impending darkness of Winter.

Freyr’s Aett

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Harvest Moon hails!

This compilation includes 8 galdr tracks covering the first 8 runes of the Elder Futhark.

May practitioners find them useful.

Hailaz

“…To conclude, we see in these runes’ terrestrial concepts and duties; from establishing morals and ethics within society, to making sure there are enough physical resources available for all members of the tribe to prosper and carry on. We see images of farms, wagons, fertility gods, elements of the Germanic creation myth, the Earth, Sun, fire, and deep underlying rhythm that is the unseen law of life. Driving these runes are Raido and Gebo, representing the wheels and wagon, while Fehu and Uruz pull us forward; the cow and ox. Ansuz, Kenaz, and Wunjo represent the higher functions of mans existence; the arts, crafts, trades, spiritual practices, bliss, ecstasy and wisdom. Once the foundation of the tribe is laid in the form of resource security, the tribe can then thrive and push forward in the arts and spirit.”

-Wandering the Runic Path: Esoteric Analysis of the Germanic Runes

Ansuzsociety.com

#freyr #runes #galdr #paganism #harvestmoon

Wunjo Rune Analysis

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Wunjo is the liberating power of bliss; the levity associated with fulfillment and satisfaction in one’s life and with one’s deeds. This blissful ecstasy can otherwise be associated with our concept of joy, happiness, and pleasure. We get a glimpse of this rune in the “Old English Rune Poem,” where it is said: 

“Wynn is borne by him who knows little of woes,

 Of soreness and sorrow, and himself has- 

 Bounty and bliss, and plenty of strongholds too!” 

Throughout the poem, we see a clear picture of true contentedness; a metaphysical ease that embraces one whom has for themself created the circumstances for bliss; a momentary freeing of the soul from any bonds of anxiety, woe, or sorrow. One who has conquered their aspirations. 

Wunjo also has a connection to wishes, in the sense that fulfilled wishes lead to these feelings of delight, enjoyment, ecstasy etc. Combined with the lessons of other runes, we know that our wishes must be paired with correct action in order for them to be fulfilled; runes like Raido (for control), Thurisaz (for willpower), and Ehwaz (for movement) come to mind here, among plenty of others.  

Therefore, it is wise to not look at wishing as a mere fantasy or common prayer, but rather a goal or outcome we’d like to see accomplished; something we want to facilitate or create. Wunjo/Wunsch/Wish of the old Germanic peoples was a force (or deity/spirit) of inspiration; one knew their wishes would only be fulfilled by their actions in life, rather than in pure lip-service. This is how one honored the Wunsch/Wish deity, who bestowed blessings upon those who completed their goals. This god of the Wish has been equated to Odin, as Grimm states in Teutonic Mythology: 

(Wuotan/Wunsch) is himself the bestower of all bliss.”  

It is certain that this “face” of Odin was one of importance and great reverence, as we find reference to him in “Grímnismál” as Óski, meaning “God of Wishes, Wished For.” This wish granting, bliss bestowing deity is usually associated with a tool, weapon, or item that symbolizes and or directs the gifts towards those who have earned them. This is seen in the German wunschelris, meaning “wishing twig,” the predecessor to the English “magic wand.” We also have the “wishing hat” of Wuotan, the “Horn of Plenty” or “Wheel of Fortune” of Fortuna, which in Sanskrit translates to mano-ratha or “wheel of the mind.” This alludes to Wunjo as a needed force of momentum to keeping one’s “wheel” moving forward. Another Indo-European deity who functions in this way would be Kamaduh/Kamadhenu, the “wishing cow.” 

Another concept that we can include here is that of the Old Norse fylgja, meaning “one who follows man, companionship” and is associated with a type of “guardian angel” spirit who attaches itself to those it chooses, bestowing them with luck, blessings, and bliss. Fairies, elves, and dwarves are also known to grant wishes, associating these beings with the Wunjo rune.  

Wunjo is closely related to the feeling of love, whether intimate or familial. We see this is the Proto-Indo-European root word wenh₁-, which means “to love, win” and “to wish.” Many word offspring have come from this root and it seems this sound denotes a sort of happiness, kindness, and affection. We see another related word in the Latin venia meaning “kindness, mercy, grace” and in the modern English/Old French word venial meaning “able to be forgiven, worthy of forgiveness.” In both words we see connections associated with Wunjo, as during the process of forgiveness one shows great love. Some more words derived from these concepts are the Proto-Germanic word wanjaną which means “to make accustomed to,” indicating an act of extreme care and kindness to guests. Wunjo is this process, formula, and understanding; the living phenomenon of the Wish, of love, and kindness. Wunjo is the creation of bliss, joy, and satisfaction in life. 

One more concept that could be drawn from this rune is that of indulgence or intoxication. Rather than embodying a stupefied version of these words, however, one is meant to reach states of ecstasy and spiritual dominance through these particular indulgences, using pleasure as a tool to create Wunjo, or bliss, associated with the divine; a piercing into the veil of reality. This can be seen in the Proto-Italic word wenjā meaning “indulgence.” The earlier visited Latin word venia also has a co-meaning of indulgence. In this respect, we can see a clear connection with pleasure and the realms of love and bliss. 

It is acceptable to deduce that Wunjo is a symbolic representation of the sensation of love, satisfaction, and joy in life. This feeling has permeated man for thousands of years with a clear and definitive expression. We can see a direct development of sounds and words associated with Wunjo forming their own substratum of conceptual framework, all revolving around this original sound/word wenh₁-. To our linguistic forefathers, the Proto-Indo-Europeans, we can assert that the “W” sound carried a euphoric and ecstatic vibration for those who spoke it. 

-Wandering the Runic Path

Constructing and Maintaining an Altar for Odin

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This process is something that is done differently by almost everyone, as there has never existed a pan-Pagan dogma regarding this type of activity. However, most would agree that when constructing an altar in the Germanic fashion, there are 4 main pieces to consider. These 4 pieces we will cover here along with other ideas for what one can add to their setup. Having an altar dedicated to spiritual activity is important, as it gives one a place to conduct work that is vital to the human experience.

First, one must find a location that one is drawn to, perhaps isolated in the forest at the foot of a particularly powerful tree, a secret natural site, or inside one’s home in a secluded area. Second, it is recommended that an organic “table” be present in the location to conduct exchanges and make offerings, such as a stump or flat stone. If there is not, one should build something for this purpose. This can be a simple platform, or it can be an entire temple, this all depends on the person’s means and dedication. Third, the deity with which one wishes to communicate (in this case Odin) needs a home or place to inhabit on the altar. This can take the form of a special tree, stone, idol, statue, image, or in some cases, the skull of an animal or human. Generally, the deity is thought to reside in this location indefinitely, although, some will argue that they are only meant as temporary dwellings for the gods and spirits to reside in while the operant conducts their business. The fourth piece, especially important in the case of Odin (but also relevant to any Pagan altar), would be the drinking vessel in which we offer libations.

Once one has completed these 4 tasks, the altar is ready to be blessed and put into immediate use. Blessings include fumigation, galdr, and various invocations to protect the space. Some other things to consider placing on the altar are offering bowls, incense vessels, candles, a set of runes, and a place to leave meat or gifts intended for Odin’s ravens and wolves. Aside from these things, it is up to one’s discretion what they choose to exchange with the High One.  When it comes to maintaining this space, one must keep things fairly organized and clean. This shows respect to the deity and helps one stay disciplined.

Strive to replace the rune set every year, if made of wood. If the runes are made of stone, they should be washed, cleansed and re-consecrated through galdr and one’s own blood. Last, libations should be made according to your means, but it is recommended to refresh the drinking vessel either every 3 days, 9 days, 45 days, and/or on full Moons. When throwing out the old libation, it should be offered to a tree or local spirit, never put into the drain or trash.

May this be of use to new and current practitioners.

Hailaz!

Fehu Rune Analysis

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Fehu is a rune denoting possessions, wealth, and material resources. In the ancient German tongue, this word would have represented one’s livestock, particularly cattle or other large production animals. Fehu stems from the Proto-Indo-European word péḱu, which translates to “livestock.” Before the common man was able to call land his own, the only things he could really claim ownership of were his animals, assets, and family. This would evolve later into the English word fee, meaning “a right to the use of a superior’s land, inherited estate held of a lord, general property ownership, money paid or owned, payment for service, a prize or reward.” We see this same idea in the Old French word fief, meaning “an estate held by a person on condition of providing military service to a superior, something over which one has rights or exercises control, or an area of dominion.” 

Another connection we find relating to the concept of land ownership is in the word feudalism, meaning “a social system based on personal ownership of resources and personal fealty between a lord and subject.” This word can be broken down into 3 parts as “fe-odal-ism,” which would imply the connection between the noble (odal) and the fee (fe) one pays to essentially sub-lease land from the noble. This fee would be in the form of food, money, or military service. We also can find further evidence in the word fealty, meaning “allegiance to an oath to one’s lord.” 

This rune applies to all things monetary and material, whether in the form of the living flesh of animals or in the cold medium of actual money. Fehu, in this regard, can also be assigned powers of security, abundance, domestication, opportunity, and peace. Esoterically speaking, one could view Fehu as a fire rune, as one’s resources are a type of fuel/fire source, helping to propel us forward with more confidence, and ultimately, more focus towards our goals. Now that we’ve peeled away the outer layers of the Fehu rune, we can look deeper inside for further information. 

Connections can be made to the twin Vanir gods Freyr and Freyja, as this stave belongs to their respective “aett” of runes. Frey(r) has long been known to reside over the homestead, fertility, and success of the farm. His powers are attributed to fair weather, peace, prosperity, and general safety within the “sacred” or enclosed space of the homestead/village. Freyja, on the other hand, represents fertility, lust, beauty, death, and the Earth. In the “Old English Rune Poem” it is said: 

“Wealth is an ease to every man,  

Though each should deal it out greatly 

If he wishes to gain, before his Lord, an honored lot.” 

At this point in history, the author would have been referring to the Christian God. Nonetheless, this could easily refer to Freyr as well, and in fact clearly alludes to him, as the very title of Freyr means “Lord.” This poem, and others, also indicate a certain antagonism of greed, saying one must “deal out” wealth as much as he can do so. 

We see another connection to Fehu and Freyr in the word fairy, which is generally believed to be a being connected with the dead, magical powers, and the natural world. This word is cognate with the Latin Fata, who is the goddess of fate. We also have the English word fey, meaning “dying, dead, spellbound, doomed, or otherworldly.” Here, we can see remnants of powers inherent in the fairy, but also in Freyja, as she is a goddess residing over the dead alongside Odin. This could be insight into the overall order of the Futhark, as one could assume it resembles a Ragnarök-esque circle of events, symbolizing birth, death, and rebirth. Some refer to this as “the doom of the gods,” which could be a possible piece of evidence alluding to the Fehu rune representing doom or death, perhaps hinting at the resurrection of ones “Self” by means of retrieving material possessions from the burial mound; in turn beginning a new cycle, starting with one’s possessions. 

Suggestion for this can be found in “Óláfs Saga Helga,” where King Olaf facilitates his resurrection through the prophetic dreams of Hrani, who takes the possessions of his (Olaf’s) mound to the wife of Herald the Greenlander. After this, she then gives birth to a son who is bestowed the name Olaf, ensuring another life according to their tradition. The new Olaf would later denounce this claim, as Christian ideals had become the norm by then and the concept of reincarnation was abolished in their religion aside from select, “underground” sects. Similarities can be seen in the way Tibetans choose the Dalai Lama; who is shown past possessions to pick from at a young age. If the child chooses the correct objects, he will be recognized as the reincarnated Holy Man. 

Freyr has also been associated with the burial mound, the dead, and the cult of the ancestors. In “Ynglinga Saga” it is said that after Freyr had died, he was buried in a great mound with 3 holes bore into it. Each hole was offered a precious metal of either gold, silver, or copper to ensure good seasons and peace continued throughout the land. In connection with the dead, it is said that King Yngvi also used to perform “utisetta,” or Norse meditation, upon his dead queen’s burial mound. 

One more piece of evidence I will add, in this regard, is the Irish word figh, meaning “to weave together, compose.” Here we see the idea of a new beginning, the “weaving” of a new story, connecting with the ideas we explored in relation to the goddess(es) of fate, who have long been associated with the “spinning” or weaving of the destinies of man and the cosmos. This further ties the rune to the goddess Freyja, who is known for teaching seiðr to Odin; a sorcery generally associated with a metaphysical “weaving, tying, or binding” of a specific target, the weather, or the forces of fate altogether. 

Through this very material and resourceful rune we can form a more broad picture of how it may have been used as it moved through the ages. From a purely terrestrial concept revolving around possessions and livestock to the more metaphysical aspect of fire, energy, and prosperity within the Self and tribe. We are also given objective history into the idea of land ownership and how that system is constructed based on the notion of leasing out lands to those below you in caste. The king leases his land to nobles and the nobles, in turn, lease their land to the farmers/peasants. 

In conclusion, we can be assured that the Fehu rune is a rune of one’s material possessions and that it is a rune of moveable wealth. Further, it can be attributed to gifts of abundance, prosperity, and fertility of the Earth. As this rune moves through the times, it reflects not only money, but the fuel-source it represents in respect to our desires and opportunities. We see esoteric connections to the dead, the burial mound, and the Heathen process of reincarnation associated with the retrieval of “past possessions,” similar to that of the Tibetan practice. These rather obscure connections, upon additional reflection, seem to hold more and more weight within them. 

Annual Summer KTD Trip

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Back at headquarters after a very busy and powerful weekend at KTD.

Two empowerments were given (Stainless Ushnisha and Stainless Light Rays), both related to the construction of stupas, the consecration of the items therein, and the clearing away of obstacles. These were given by Khenpo Lodrö Dönyö Rinpoche, abbot of the Mirik Monastery. This is something we would like to sponsor here at some point in the future.

After that, the monks began a 7 day Chakrasamvara puja at the request of the Karmapa, whose father passed away.

It is always rejuvenating to visit this holy site, but, it is also hard to leave. If you find yourself in the area, you should certainly stop by.

May all beings thrive.

“There is an old saying that the path is the goal and goal is the path. You make your journey, you get to your destination, and arriving at your destination brings on another question: how to proceed from there? In that way each goal itself becomes the path. Particularly from the tantric point of view, you don’t achieve anything except path. Discovery of the path is achieving.”

-Trungpa Rinpoche

Karma Triyana Dharmachakra

Ostara / Equinox Hails!

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The Spring Equinox marks the traditional Easter celebration, the moment when the Sun crosses the equator from south to north. This is when animals like rabbits, deer, chipmunks, and other creatures of the forest begin to have their offspring. Various flora also emerge around this time, dotting the landscape with hints of color. During the Spring Equinox we pay special attention to the great Goddess in her youthful form of Ostara, Goddess of the Dawn. Ostara is associated with the rising Sun in the East, fertility, and light; a beacon of joy and good fortune. To many ancient Germanic Pagans, Ostara was credited with Springs deliverance. From her name we derive the modern word Easter, nodding to the Pagan origins of this holiday. To Ostara we make offerings and pray for a good year, thanking her for the return of the light. In one particular myth, Ostara transforms a bird into a rabbit who would then lay colorful eggs for her, showing us where the core symbolism of our modern holiday came from.

Hailaz Austra!

#ostara #spring #equinox #paganism